THE new Meadowbank Sports Centre is to open to the public on July 19, the City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed.
The £47 million facility is being built by GRAHAM Construction on the site of the original Meadowbank sports facility, which closed in late 2017.
It features an outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand; a six-lane indoor athletics track; two multi-sport halls with spectator seating; a hall for trampolining and dance; two fitness studios; a gym; cycle studio; two squash courts; a combat studio for martial arts; a boxing gym; two 3G pitches; a hospitality suite and event-hosting facilities; and a cafe.
The City of Edinburgh Council leader, Cammy Day, said, “I’m delighted that we can now confirm when the doors for this fantastic new venue will open to the public. Meadowbank, I believe is one of the country’s top community sports centres, and features some of the most state-of-the-art fitness facilities in Britain. I very much look forward to seeing it bustling with sporting activity through the wide range of activities and classes.”
The project is a joint venture between Edinburgh Leisure and The City of Edinburgh Council
Construction and property consultant Thomas & Adamson acted as project manager, principal designer and employer’s agent.
Richard Burgham Pearson, senior project manager, said, “The completion of this fantastic facility is a huge testament to everyone involved, and we are proud to have played a major role in bringing this transformative vision to life. Meadowbank is an integral part of the sporting culture in Edinburgh, with many Olympic and Commonwealth athletes having trained and competed at the venue.
“It is also a popular venue for the community and a well-loved landmark; therefore, it’s been hugely important throughout this time to involve the local community and keep them informed of the progress, particularly with the many challenges faced during national lockdowns and supplier shortages. The result is an exceptional and inspiring sports centre that the area can be proud of and enjoy. A new era has begun for Meadowbank which will provide a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s chief executive, added, “The new Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a long time coming but it’s been worth the wait. The new Meadowbank will pick up where the old Meadowbank left off, providing countless opportunities for generations to come to participate in physical activity and sport.
“New memories will be created, and we’re delighted to welcome the people of Edinburgh and beyond, into the new venue. A multi-million-pound investment has secured a bright future for physical activity in Edinburgh.”
